The Root of Connection

Our Book Club Exploration of ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben

This summer, our Nature Links learners gathered for a book club that took us into the forest through the pages of The Hidden Life of Trees. Chosen by the class, this book opened our eyes to a world we rarely notice—the one happening quietly all around us, beneath the soil and high in the canopy.

We discovered that trees are far from solitary. Instead, they are part of a deeply connected network, constantly communicating and supporting one another. Underground, roots and fungi serve as pathways for sharing nutrients and sending warnings. In the forest, stronger trees provide shade and shelter so younger ones can grow. Even fallen trees continue to nourish the ecosystem.

The message was clear: a forest thrives not because each tree stands alone, but because every part of the system is working together. And again and again, we noticed the same hard truth—the biggest disruption often comes from humans. When we try to manage or profit from forests without understanding their balance, we usually end up unraveling systems that have been working in harmony for thousands of years.

Finishing this book left us with a renewed sense of awe, but also responsibility. It reminded us that communities—whether made up of trees or people—are strongest when we support one another, share what we have, and care for the most vulnerable among us.

With the book club complete, we’re shifting gears. This fall, our Mondays will take us into new territory: a podcast-based series where we’ll tackle big, hard questions about humans and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore topics like:

Are humans biased toward liking some animals more than others, and what does that mean for conservation?

How does having access to fresh fruits and vegetables every day of the year actually harm the environment?

By listening, learning, and discussing together, we’ll continue to build not just knowledge, but curiosity, accountability, and the courage to ask tough questions.

The forest has taught us that everything is connected. Now, as we dive into these podcasts, we’ll keep looking for those connections—between people, animals, food, and the planet we all share.